New Report: Recycling Alone Could Not Eradicate Plastic Pollution
The report also questions the economical viability and environmental sustainability of various plastic recycling techniques used today.
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The new research report published by Eco Waste Coalition noted that recycling methods alone could not solve plastic waste problem. It also highlights the flaws of advanced recycling methods and the environmental harms caused by them. Furthermore, it recommends long-term answers to plastic pollution.
According to the report, neither mechanical nor chemical recycling processes have the capacity to reduce plastic pollution. Also, recycling alone could not be an effective solution, especially when plastic production is set to grow exponentially. The report also questions the economical viability and environmental sustainability of various plastic recycling techniques used today.
A solution that is being heavily promoted nowadays by the plastics industry is chemical recycling. However, this process generates pollution. Every single tonne of plastic treated using this technique releases nearly 3 tonnes of carbon dioxide, along with other toxicants harmful to health. Furthermore, chemical recycling has proved to be incapable of addressing microplastic problem.
The report suggests that the only potential solution to prevent plastic pollution is to limit plastics production, promote use of alternative materials and ban non-essential uses of plastics. It also recommends elimination of use of toxic chemicals in plastics.
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